Quick Links
The Predator Strain is unlike any threat you have faced before inHelldivers 2. Mutated by the mysterious Gloom spore cloud, theseenhanced Terminids are smarter and more aggressivethan their normal counterparts, displaying new abilities and unsettling changes in their hunting patterns.
Stalkers have always been one of thehardest enemies to beat inHelldivers 2, butthe new Predator Stalker variant is even deadlier, charging head-on in a do-or-die showdown where only one of you will survive. Wondering what weapons and tactics to use against them? Here is everything to know about Predator Stalkers inHelldivers 2, ensuring you and your squad do not become their next meal.
How to Beat Predator Stalkers in Helldivers 2
Unlike regular Stalkers, the newPredator Stalkers do not have cloaking capabilities. However, that does not make them any easier to beat inHelldivers 2. Since they can no longer camouflage to the point of invisibility,they no longer flee after taking damage.
Predator Stalkers are relentless, hunting you down across almost the entire map, stopping only when one of you is dead. They also seem much faster. Hence, the Predator Strain leaves you with just one choice: kill them first or die running.
Something else Predator Stalkers have lost is their dependency onStalker Lairs inHelldivers 2. They can now spawn naturally throughout the map, and in greater numbers. They have also gained a higher spawn rate, so expect to encounter them near points of interest, through bug breaches, or patrolling in packs.
There seems to be no cap on how many Predator Stalkers can spawn at a time.On higher-difficulty missions, you shouldbe ready to engage large swarmswith as many as 12 Predator Stalkers. They can be spotted from afar by their unique black, yellow, and red colored patterns.
Best Weapons and Stratagems Against Predator Stalkers in Helldivers 2
Predator Stalkers have light armor and have thesame weaknesses as regular Stalkers, meaning they take damage from everything.Headshots are always the best way to deal with Predator Stalkers. However, when fighting an entire swarm inHelldivers 2, you need weapons that can stagger or stun to momentarily stop them in their attacks and prevent them from attacking. The same applies to nearly every Terminid in the Predator Strain.
Support (Heavy Weapon)
The best weapons to shred Predator Stalkers inHelldivers 2are those with a high fire rate and large magazine capacity. Nothing beats the Stalwart and the Machine Gun in this regard. However, the Stalwart stands out for its ability to reload while moving.
Primary (Shotgun)
The Punisher and Halt do excellent damage and stagger, making them highly effective against Predator Stalkers. The Cookout is equally effective due to its added burn effect, but might not be fast enough to keep up with a whole swarm.
SMG-72 Pummeler
Primary (Submachine Gun)
The one-handed Pummeler stuns Predator Stalkers with concussive rounds, letting you fire as you kite them. Its mobility and efficiency make it one of the best weapons against Predator Stalkers inHelldivers 2.
ARC-12 Blitzer
Primary (Energy-Based)
Its high-voltage blasts make the Blitzer a powerful weapon against Predator Stalkers, capable of staggering them and dealing heavy damage. However, its slow fire rate becomes a drawback in higher difficulties when facing a dozen or more Stalkers with little room for error.
Other Essential Tools for Survival
With intel still arriving from the Gloom-covered planets, you will need more than just regular firepower to handle Predator Stalkers.Utility plays a crucial role in keeping you and your squad alive. Strategic boosters, defensive stratagems, and mobility-enhancing gear can mean the difference between survival and being overwhelmed. Equip tools that counter their speed and aggression like slowing effects, vision impairment, or movement-enhancing boosters to gain the upper hand and maintain control of the battlefield.
Muscle Enhancement
Booster
Gloom-enhanced Stalkers slow you down with every claw attack, but this booster negates the slow effect, giving you a better chance to retreat and survive.
Guard Dog Breath
Stratagem (Backpack)
This new backpack stratagem releases caustic gas to slow and blind nearby enemies, stopping Stalkers before they get too close.
Stratagem (Sentry)
These automated turrets cut through a whole swarm of Stalkers like butter. They are highly recommended for everyTerminid loadout inHelldivers 2, helping you defend your positions.
MD-6 Anti-Personnel Minefield
Stratagem (Emplacement)
While not as popular, creating a minefield helps halt (or delay) enemy advances.
Siege-Ready
Armor Passive
Predator Swarms can eat a lot of bullets, making sustained fire critical. With increased ammo capacity and faster reloads, you can keep shooting without pause during high-level enemy breaches. Pairing the armor passive with heavy armor further improves your survivability, keeping you in the fight longer.
